Egg-box filler



*J; L. COYLE EGG Box gILLBa Filed July '2. 1921 INVENT OR, Jose 072 L. oyle;

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Patented June 24,. 1924.

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.Josnrn L. ooYLE, or VENICE, CALIFORNIA, ASSIGNOR T0 JOHN THOMAS, OF nos ANGELES, cnmronnm, LUMBIA, CANADA.

AND ROY STANLEY DAVIS, 01* VANCOUVER, VBRITIS E GO- EGG-BOX FILLER Application filed. July 7, 1921. Serial No; 482,945.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOSEPH L. Com, a subject of the King of England, residing at Venice, in the" county of Los Angeles and State of California, have invented new and useful Improvements. in Egg-Box Fillers, of which the fol-lowing is a specification.

This invention relates to crate and box fillers, and more particularly to fillers for egg crates, although the features and advantages thereof are equally pertinent to fillers "for fruit, vegetable and other crates and boxes, The invention has for its object to provide an improved filler of the character mentioned which will be superior in point of relative simplicity and'ineXpe-nsiveness of construction and assembling, facility in installation and packing and use, durability and stability and resistance to crushing, strains and impact, and reliability in service, and which will be generally superior in efliciency, effectiveness and serviceability.

With the above and other objects in view, the invention consists in the novel and useful provision, formation, combination, association. relative arrangement, mode of as sembling and method of use and inter-relation or parts, members and features, all as hereinafter described, shown in the drawing, and finally pointed out in claims.

In the. drawing:

Figure 1 is a per pective view of a portion of an egg crate, the same being broken away at one corner portion to disclose the invention in one embodiment;

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary view of one form oi the invention, showing the main and transverse partitions of a filler assembled together, with a flat or spacer, in accordance with the invention;

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2, taken along a line vision at right angles to that of Figure Figure 4 is a fragmentary plan view of a Hatto be used in conjunction with the form of construction shown in Figure 5; and,

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 1 of a modified form of construction in conjunction with which the flatshown in Figure at is employed, I

lorresponding parts inall the figures are designated. by the same reference characters.

Referring with particularity to" the drawing, A in Figures 2 and 3 thereof designates in each instance one of a series of-main par-- titions, and B designates similarly one of a series of transverse partitions ofla filler embodying my i-nvention,-reference' being had now to Figures 1, 2 and 3; and C dosignates a flat or spacer utilized in conjunction with the assembled series of fillers, such flats or spacers being disposed between aidjacent superposed fillers; In Figures4 and 5 D designates one of a series of main par-- titions, and E designates in each instance one of a series of transverse partitions, such main and transverse partitions being asso ciated and assembled together to constitute a modified form of filler embodying'theinvention, F designating a flat used in conjunction with said modified form of construction to be disposed between adjacentor superposed fillers.

Referring now to Figures 1 to 3 inclusive, the main partitions A comprise lengths or strips 6 of card board or other suitable ma terial which are punched through at definite intervals to produce slots 7 havin each an arcuate wall 8 and an-opposite wa'fi 9 which may be straight or otherwise, said walls being joined by lateral ofi-set slots 10 ranging to the side of the edge 9 opposite to the wall 8. The slots 7 are disposed trans versely ot' the strips 6, and their major axes are preferably slightly inclined with respect to transverse planes of the strips 6. The members or partitions B consist of similar flat strips or lengths 11, of card board or other suitable material, which are notched at predetermined intervals, related directly to the relative spacing of the partitions A, as at 12, to produce flaps 11 substantially to the bottoms of the slots 10. The notches or slots 12 are opposed, in pairs, and are cut to such depths that when they are interengagcd with the partitions A at the ends oi the slots 7, the partitions B will be:

bowed or beveled into arc'uate form, as

clearly shown in Figures 1' and 2, and so mainta ned.

the slots 7, flaps 13 are formed at the same are projected into the cells or compartments which are produced when the Where the material of the partitions 6 is punched through to produce partitions A and B are assembled, the par titions A being spaced apart substantially in accordance with the spacing apart of the partitions B, so that substantially square cells are produced although this may be widely varied in practice.

A convenient method of assembling the partitions A and B is by the use of a suit able punching device which cuts the slots 2' and communicating slots 10, and follows through to bend the respective flap 13 i to its angular relation with the respective tition A; and this punch may continue on through the whole series of partitions forming the slots 7 and i consecutively, bending the flaps 18 consecutively, and carrying the respective partition B on through the successive slots 7 with the flaps 11 bent into position to pass through the slots 10, and so held, until the partition 3 is completely introduced, whereupon the flaps 11 may be bent upwardly and down wardly at the top and bottom oi the par-ti tion B, and such par ition B interlocked with the series of partitions it, the notches or slots 12 receiving the respective parti' tions it within themseires, as clearly shown in Figures 2 and 3.

The fillers are then completely and may be installed in superposed relation, as shown in Figure 1, with the tlats S alter-- nating with the fillers, and the cells bounded 0f, the partitions ii and B may be filled eggs, fruit, vegetables or other objects against which the laps 1.3 will respectiveiy ssemble Y bear, vieldinel to assis in lirml holdi La 7 l the objects in the cells, and oppose any shalt ing or rattling or displacement thereof. The top walls of the slots or openings 7 and the top portions 0" he walls 9 of such slots in conjunction with the to; portions of the walls 8 thereof, will 0 inhne the partitions ii in bowed form, under ression, and prevent their displacenic eit er lengthwise 0'? the slots or opening or in directions an gularly related thereto. This bowed condition of the partitions will assist in hold bowed fillers B, due to the naturi ing quality thereoit' and quality of the partitions firmly holdin the e yieldinp'lj opposii a a jar or displacement thereof, 'l. the l ers all assembled together in superpos i relation with the i ts alternating therewith, and the objects in their places, the; may be con lined n "hin the egg box or crate f shown in Figure 1.

The form of construction shown in Figures at and is the seine all respe as that above described and shown in the drawthe exception that the partitions in the said partitions 3 lir ly in place an 1% add stability to the entire assembled term, because of the compressive action 01": such l) are formed of blanks, strips or lengths l3 having hilland-valley edge portions 13 at each edge, with the hills at one edge opposed to the valleys at the other edge; and the flats l are corrugated, and provided in the angular portions thereof with slots 13 extend ing lengthwise of the flat and at both sides of and in series between the sides of the fiat, so as to register with and receive the hillavnd-valley portions 13 of the blanks or strips 18, such hill-andwalley portions terminating in curved edged junction zones, as at 18; thus interlocking the flats with the partitions D or the blanks 13 thereof, and spacing apart superposed fillers, for venti lation or prevention of dangerous or destructive thrust of the object in the filler cells, such thrusts otherwise tending to cause breakage of the contents of the cells, and being imparted from cell to cell through the flats or spacers between the tillers. This objectionable end thrust is largely eliminated in the form shown in Figures 1 to 3 inclusive, and particularly in the packing and storing of eggs, and other frangible obj ects, due to the inclination of the partitions B, which tend to incline the longitudinal axes of the eggs or other objects, as clearlyshown in Figures 1 to 3 inclusive, and thus bring the end portions of the objects out of direct opposition. Of course any such end thrust is likewise opposed by the flats between the fillers.

The form of construction shown in Fig ures l and 5 may be assembled in the same manner as that shown in the other Figures, and the partitions-E may be formed the same as the blank 11 ot the partition B, and the same advantages will inhere in the use of the modified form in Figures l and 5' as flow from the use or the other form.

The openings or slots 7 serve to effectively aerate or ventilate the cells and the objects therein, or to maintain the same at proper temperature.

The fillers may be readily assembled and folded into compact form when assembled without separating the partitions, and are durable and effectively resist strain, jar, impact, and other mechanical attack, and when used in conjunction with the flats constitute a highly efiicient and reliable means tor transporting eggs, or other perishable or frangible or readily damaged objects or commodities, and the fillers, either with without the flats, may be effectively depended upon for long periods of successful storage or shipment, the hats being used where the commodities require same.

The arcuate walls 8 of the slots 7 provides sufiicient width for the slots so that the traverse partitions B and E may he passed through said slots in a much more bow! form than finally assumed, so that the flaj 11 may be passed through the slots with Ill llU

mews-s out too abruptly bending said'fiaps with relation to the main bodies of the partitions of which they are a part. 7

It is obvious that many changes may be made in practicing the invention, with modifications and variations of various kinds, all with respect to and in departure from the construction and inter-relation and mode of use of the parts, members and teatures, shownin'the drawing and hei'..1nabo\'e set forth and without departing from the real spirit of the invention Having thus disclosed my invention, 1 claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent:

1. A filler of the character disclosed, com-- prising main and transverse partitions, the main partitions having openings through which the transverse partitions are passed to assemble the'filler; said transverse partitions being of a material having an inherent spring qnality and being confined within said openings in bowed formin which they are maintained by said spring quality and the walls of such openings; said'openings being enlarged to permit the passage of said transverse partitions therethrough in bowed form.

2; A filler of the character disclosed, comprising main and transverse partitionspthe' main partitions having openings through which the transverse partitions are passed reassemble the tiller; said transverseparth tions being of a material having an inherent spring quality and being confined Within said'openings in bowed form in which they are maintained by said spring quality and the walls of such openings; said openings being enlarged to permit the passage of said transverse partitions there'through in bowed form and having each an arcuate wall.

3. A filler of the character disclosed, comprisingmain and transverse partitions, the main partitions having openings through which the transverse partitions are passed to assemble the filler; said transverse partitions being of a material having an inherent spring quality and being confined within said openings in bowed form in which they are maintained by said spring quality and the walls of such openings; said openings being enlarged to permit the passage of said transverse partitions therethrough in bowed form and having each an arcuate wall; said openings being provided with offset slots through which edge portions of said transverse partitions may be passed,

4. A filler of'the characterdisclosed, coinprising main and transverse partitions, the main partitions having openings through which the transverse partitions are passed to assemble the filler; said transverse partitions beingot a material having an inherent spring quality and being confined within said openings in bowed'for'm in whichfthey are maintainedby said spring quality and the wallsot such openings; said openings being enlarged to permit the passage of said transverse partitions therethrough in bowed form and having each an arcuate wall; said openings being provided with off-set slots through which edge portions of said transverse'partitions may be passed, and said last mentioned edge'portions beingslotted to receive the edge portions of'the' main partitions when said transversepartitions are in final positions.

5. A filler of the character disclosed, comprising main and transverse partitions. the main partitions having openings through which the transverse partitions are passed to assemble the filler; said transverse partitions being of a material havlng an inherent spring quality and being confined within said'openings in bowed form in which they are maintained by said spring quality and the walls of such openings; said openings beings enlarged to permit the passage of said transverse partitions therethrough in bowed. form; flaps being pro-' vided on said main partitions at margins of said openings and extending into the of the assembled partitions. I

6.- A filler of the character disclosed, comprising main and transverse partitions; the

main partitions having openings through which the transverse partitionsare' passed to-ass'emble the tiller; said transverse parti tions being ota material having an inherent spring quality andbeing confined within said openings in bowed form in which they are maintained by's'aid spring quality and the walls, of such openings; said openings being enlargedto permit the passage of said transverse partitions therethrough in bowed form; flaps being provided on said main partitions at margins of said openings and extending into-the cells of the assembled partitions; said flaps serving as members for contact with objects in said cells. 7 I

T. A fillerfoi the character disclosed, comprising main and transverse partitions, the main partitions which the transverse partitions are passed to assemble the filler; said transverse partitions being of a material having an inherent spring quality and. being confined within said openings in bowed form in which they are maintained by said spring qualityhnd the walls of such openings; being enlarged to permit the passage of said transversepartitions therethrou'gh in' bowed form; in combination with flats" for disposition in alternation with assembled fillers;

S. A filler ot the character disclosed, comprising main and transverse partitions, the main partitions having openings 7 through which the" transverse partitions; are" passed to assemble the filler; said transverse para:

cells yielding having openings through said openings tions being of a material having an inherent spring quality and being confined within said openings in bowed form in which they are maintained by said spring quality and the walls of such openings; said openings being enlarged to permit the passage of said transverse partitions therethrough in bowed form; in combination with flats tor disposition in alternation with assembled fillers; said main partitions being provided with edge projections, and said flats being notched to receive the same.

9 A filler of the character disclosed, comprising main and transverse partitions, the main partitions having openings through which the transverse partitions are passed to assemble the filler; said transverse partitions being of a material having an inherent spring quality and being confined within said openings in bowed form in which they are maintained by said spring quality and the walls of such openings; said openings being enlarged to permit the passage of said transverse partitions therethrough in bowed form; in combination with flats for disposition in alternation with assembled fillers: said main partitions being provided with edge projections, and said flats being notched to receive the same; such edge projections being in hill-aud-valley relation at each edge of each main partition.

10. A filler of the character disclosed, comprising main and transverse partitions, the main partitions having openings through which the transverse partitions are passed to assemble the filler; said transverse partitions being of a material having an inherent spring quality and being confined within said opening in bowed form in which they are maintained by said spring quality and the walls of such openings; said openings being enlarged to permit the passage of said transverse partitions therethrough in bowed form; in combination with flats for disposition in alternation with assembled fillers;

aid main partitions being provided with edge projections, and said flats being notched to receive the same; such edge projections being in hill-and-valley relation at each edge of each main partition; the hills at one edge being in opposed relation to the valleys at the other edge.

11. A filler of the character disclosed. comprising a series of main partitions pro vided with openings, and a series of transverse partitions passed through said openings, said openings having major axes in clined to perpendicular transverse planes of said main partitions.

12. A filler of the character disclosed, comprising a series of main partitions having openings, a series of transverse parti tions passed through said openings and having major axes extending cross-wise of said main partitions; said transverse partitions reesgrse being of flexible material and being confined within said openings in bowed form.

13. A filler of the character disclosed, comprising a series of main partitions having openings, a series of transverse parti tions passed through said openings and hav ing major axes extending cross-wise of said main partition said transverse partitions being of flexible material and being conflned within said openings in bowed form; means being provided for preventing displacement of said transverse partitions.

1A. A filler of the character disclosed, comprising a series of main partitions having openings, a series of transverse partitions passed through said openings and having major axes extending cross-wise of said main partitions; said transverse partitions being of flexible material and being confined with in said openings in bowed form; means being provided for preventing displacement of said transverse partitions both transversely and lengthwise of said main partitions.

A filler of the character disclosed. comprising series of main partitions having openings, a series of transverse partitions passed through said openings and haw ing major axes extending cross-wise of said main partitions; said transverse partitions being of flexible material and being confined within said openings in bowed form; means being provided for preventing displacement of said transverse partitions both transversely and lengthwise of said main partitions; said transverse partitions having each an inherent spring quality.

16, A filler of the character disclosed comprising a series of main partitions having openings, a series of transverse partitions passed through said openings and having major axes extending cross-wise of said main partitions; said transverse partitions being of flexible material and being confined within said openings in bowed form; means being provided for preventing displacement of said transverse partitions both transversely and lengthwise of said main partitions; said openings having lateral oft-set slots through which edge portions of said transverse partitions may be passed in as sembling the partitions; and said transverse partitions being notched to receive edge portions of said main partitions when the partitions are assembled and preventing displacement thereof in one direction 17. A filler of the character disclosed, comprising a series of main partitions and a series of transverse partitions assembled therewith, certain of said partitions having edge projections; and corrugated flats slotted to receive said edge projections.

18. A filler of the character disclosed, comprisng a series of main partitions and a series of transverse partitions assembled therewith, certain of said partitions having edge projections; and flats notched to receive said edge projections; said flats being corrugated and having the notches in the angular portions thereof.

19. A filler of the character disclosed, comprising a series of main partitions having through openings and a series of transverse partitions assembled therewith and extending through said openings; there being flaps provided in the main partitions at the margins of said openings and which flaps project into the spaces bounded by the partitions.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of 15 two subscribing Witnesses.

JOSEPH L. COYLE. W'itnesses:

J. SHUTT, J. 0. BROWN. 

